ESWIM Time Trial Report

Marc Spackman

Our November Time Trial was an excellent reflection of how far the club has progressed this season. Across all squads, swimmers approached their races with maturity, confidence, and a growing sense of responsibility for their performance. The atmosphere on deck was positive, united, and energetic- a noticeable shift from last season and clear evidence that our cultural standards are becoming lived habits.

 

Racing & Technical Progress

 

Whether swimmers were tackling the 800m or 1500m for the first time or looking to improve on previous results, the common theme across the board was courage. Athletes committed to their race plans, held their pacing with discipline, and showed strong improvements in bodyline control, underwater skills, and technical consistency.

 

Distance events demand patience, resilience, and trust in preparation, and the swimmers demonstrated all three. Many achieved significant personal bests, while others used the experience to learn more about strategy, pacing, and staying composed under fatigue. Both outcomes reflect meaningful growth.

 

Mindset & Maturity

 

A standout feature of the meet was the way swimmers supported one another. Teammates cheered across heats, offered encouragement, and created an environment where everyone felt part of something bigger than their own performance.

 

The willingness of swimmers to embrace challenging events- especially those outside their comfort zone showed a level of maturity that speaks to the direction the club is heading. Athletes are learning to see tough races not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to test themselves and get better.

 

Training Foundations Showing Through

 

The aerobic and technical development work done in training was clearly visible. Swimmers managed demanding sessions in the morning and still returned with strong efforts in the evening, reflecting improved physical preparation and stronger habits around recovery, pacing, and effort management.

 

The consistency shown across the club highlights the shared standards we are establishing: focus in practice, attention to detail, and pride in doing things properly.

 

Relay Highlight

 

One of the most exciting moments of the time trial was a relay performance that dipped significantly under the national 11/12 age group record. Though it cannot be ratified due to a sanctioning detail, the quality of the swim- calm, connected, technically sharp- was a powerful reminder of what ESWIM athletes can achieve when they race with belief and alignment. That level of performance will return, and next time, it will be official. We want all our athletes to believe in the power of relays to achieve things greater together.

 

Our Cultural Standards in Action

 

Throughout the meet, our club values were visible in the way swimmers carried themselves:

    •    Respect: Honest racing, humility in success, and pride in preparation.

    •    One Club, One Team: A unified deck atmosphere, shared expectations, and swimmers lifting each other through every heat.

    •    Community: A healthy, positive environment where athletes felt safe to challenge themselves and celebrate each other.

    •    Excellence: Technical detail, disciplined pacing, improved underwaters, and the courage to take on demanding events.

 

Thank You to Our Parent Volunteers

 

The time trial was able to run smoothly because of our incredible parent volunteers. Your organization, time, and willingness to step in wherever needed allow our swimmers to have high-quality racing opportunities. We are genuinely grateful for your ongoing support and commitment to the club.

 

This time trial delivered fast swims, steady progress, and a visible shift in culture. Every swimmer contributed to the positive environment on deck and helped move the club forward. We’re proud of the effort shown and excited to continue building on this momentum throughout the season.

 

Kind regards

Marc.

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